Originally Posted by
AnkleWork
So take out the mystery. Clean and inspect the bearings, hub, axle then assemble, lube, adjust. Mystery solved.
I will probably do this at the same time as a rebuild. If it looks bad I'll replace it.
Originally Posted by
FastJake
Sounds like your rims are indeed due to be replaced. Find out if you have a cassette or freewheel here:
Freewheel or Cassette?
They should say "Shimano" on them somewhere unless the stickers are missing. If the front hub is some off brand that's fine but I don't bother re-using off-brand rear hubs since quality Shimano ones can be had so cheaply. If you buy used they can be had even cheaper.
If you shop smart you can save money building your own wheels. Or you can spend way more than you would on a prebuilt set. But if you want to learn IMO the experience is worthwhile.
Pulled the wheel off, and the rear one is a Shimano FH-HG20. It looks to be in pretty good shape, so I don't see why I can't repack the bearings and use it. The front hub is a Shimano Exage HB-RM50. Looks fine as well. Dropouts measured to be 135mm from the inside surfaces. Both look to be 36 spoke hubs.
I will price out rims, spokes and nipples tonight. What sites are good for rim parts?
The cassette itself doesn't look too good. I will have to check what is compatible with this hub before rebuilding.